9 Signs You Need A New Boiler

www.swyftenergy.ie

Think you might need to replace your boiler? Replacing your boiler can be unexpected cost. Thankfully it's not something you need to do every year. If you look after your boiler through regular servicing, you can extend it's life and see your boiler last for up to 12 years. However, not every boiler makes it that far, here are a list of signs that it might be time to get a new boiler:

1. Your boiler is over 10 years old

The average life expectancy of a gas boiler is somewhere in the region of 10 years. If your boiler is 10 years old or older and is starting to give trouble it can be more cost effective in the long run to replace the boiler now!

For example let's assume your gas boiler is over 10 years old, has broken down and it will cost €600 in materials and labour to bring the boiler back to life.

The materials will not be covered under the initial manufacturers warranty and there’s a reasonable chance something else could break in the boiler pretty soon which could cost another €600.

On top of frequent breakdowns, at 10 years old, your boiler is most likely not operating efficiently. A new boiler can save you up to 30% on your heating bills each year.

The bad news is, if the boiler is over 10 years old it will need to be replaced within the next 5 years.

If you find yourself without hot water or heating, something is definitely not right!

Again, there are a number of reasons why this may happen but does that really matter when all you want is a hot shower? If you see a pattern or no hot water or heating it may be time to consider an upgrade!

3. Your gas boiler keeps shutting off

If your gas boiler is making a habit if switching itself off sporadically it may be trying to tell you something. There are a number of reasons this could happen such as pump issues, low pressure, and faulty thermostats. If this is happening frequently, and you find your registered gas installer is back in front of your boiler week in week out it’s probably time for an upgrade.

4. There are gurgling or banging noises coming from your boiler

If your system is making funny noises, it could have underlying issues from the installation (if this was carried out recently) or it may be something more serious. Gurgling noises can indicate 'kettling' which means the system could be filed with sludge. Banging can indicate pump issues and so on.When you look for advise from a boiler expert, tell them the type of noise you are hearing they will have a very good idea of what the problem is.

5. The pilot light keeps going out on your boiler

There are a number of reasons your pilot light may go out. It is quiet easy for you to reignite the pilot light on your own, however, if the pilot is persistently going out it may indicate a more significant problem. Regardless, contact your us or your local registered gas installer to investigate.

6. There is a leak coming from your boiler

If you see water leaking from your boiler or into your boiler this could spell trouble. There are multiple reasons for this but it needs to be investigated immediately. Depending on how long the leak was present and how much corrosive damage was done you may need a new boiler.

7. Your boiler is losing pressure

If your boiler is losing pressure it could be due to a leak in your system or air seeping through a valve. This is a common problem and can be fixed with something as simple as adding leak sealer to your system. If the loss of pressure is unrelated to the above than your boiler may have a serious issue. Again,you need to seek advise from a professional and arrange an assessment of the boiler.

8. Kettling

As we mentioned above, 'kettling' can be a real worry. In areas of hard water, limescale deposits can build up in your boilers heat exchanger, restricting the free flow of water through your boiler system.

Boiler kettling is very damaging and can lead to your boiler needing a replacement. As well as shortening the lifespan of your boiler it will actually drive up your running costs! A clear sign that your boiler is kettling would be rumbling or gurgling signs when operational.

9. Your radiators are not heating up

If your radiators are not heating up like they used to it may be time for either a power flush which removes sludge buildup from your heating system or a new boiler or possible both! You could also try bleeding your radiators.

A quick way to test if you that you have a build up of sludge in your system is to feel the temperature of your radiators. If they are heating at the top and not the bottom it’s very likely that you have a build up of sludge. If you are doing a power flush its advisable to fit a magnetic filter also.